Panto Season 2025: Edinburgh’s Best Family Shows -

Looking for a festive family day out or a classic night of seasonal silliness? Panto is where Edinburgh’s Christmas magic comes alive for all ages—whether you’re wrangling tiny tots, laughing with grandparents, or organising a mates’ night with built-in nostalgia (and a few innuendos for good measure).

From iconic city-centre productions to welcoming local venues, here’s your friendly, practical guide to this year’s best pantomimes—plus tips for first-timers, accessibility info, and why panto is so stitched into Scottish festive tradition.

Jack and the Beanstalk – Festival Theatre (City Centre)

Dates: 13 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
Starring: Allan Stewart (Dame Trot), Grant Stott (Villain), Jordan Young, Clare Gray, Gail Watson, Amber Sylvia Edwards
Tickets & Info: Buy here (Capital Theatres) | Ents24 (times & tickets)

Why it’s special:
The grandest of Edinburgh’s pantomimes, packed with slapstick, proper Scottish humour, spectacular effects, and audience participation galore. This year’s cast is a dream team—expect old-school laughs, glitzy song and dance, and endless cries of “It’s behind you!”

Accessibility & Inclusive Performances:

Relaxed Performance: 9 January 2pm—ideal for those who benefit from a less formal atmosphere (autism, additional needs, sensory-friendly)
BSL Interpreted: 19, 20, and 31 December
Audio Description: 19 & 20 December
Touch tours: 19 Dec (5.30pm), 20 Dec (12.30pm)
Babes in Arms: Free for babies 12 months & under (no seat allocation)
Venue: Full level access, accessible toilets, assistance for ticketing—call ahead for support or access info (Festival Theatre access details)
Specials: Schools relaxed matinees (ASN & SEN groups), break-out/chill spaces, friendly staff

Age Suitability:
All ages—perfect for little ones (but packed with jokes for adults too)
Prices: Tickets from £17–£39, with discounts for children, Friends, and local schools/groups

Cinderella – Royal Lyceum Theatre (City Centre)

Dates: 28 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
Tickets & Details: Lyceum Theatre Cinderella |

Olivia Hemmati and the cast of Cinderella A Fairytale, © Mihaela Bodlovic

Why it’s special:
This magical new adaptation from the Royal Lyceum promises all the classic Cinderella sparkle, with plenty of creative surprises. Expect beautiful storytelling, live music, and fancy footwork in one of Edinburgh’s most-loved historic theatres. The Lyceum has been teasing a series of spoiler posts, and the lead—Olivia Hematti, a recent graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School—is joined by a host of fresh faces making their Lyceum debut. Long-time favourite Richard Conlon also returns. Altogether, it’s shaping up to be the perfect blend of tradition and originality.

Accessibility:

Wheelchair/powerchair spaces & level access
Lift to all levels/bar
Assistance for visually or hearing-impaired visitors—please request support in advance (Lyceum Accessibility Guide)
BSL, captioned, and audio described performances: check the latest season schedule before booking.

Age Suitability:
Strongly family-friendly, recommended 3+.
Prices: Check website for group/family deals.

More Panto Magic: Community & Local Gems

Beauty and the Beast – Church Hill Theatre, Morningside

Dates: Early-mid December (see pantomimes page)
If you love a cosy, community panto, this one is a real treat. Church Hill Theatre hosts some of the city’s most joyfully energetic amateur and youth productions—think big enthusiasm, colourful costumes, and that lovely “everyone’s welcome” atmosphere you only get from local theatre. It’s also one of the best-value pantos around, which makes it ideal if you’ve got a large family group or want to bring cousins, grandparents, and anyone else who fancies a festive night out.

Venue: There’s a step-free entrance, so it’s easy for buggies and wheelchairs. Do check with the theatre if you need particular performance adaptations, as they vary from show to show.

Dick Whittington – Inverleith St Serfs Church Centre

A long-standing favourite in the north of the city—and with good reason. This is panto at its most traditional and heartwarming: loud “He’s behind you!” moments, plenty of daft jokes, lots of audience participation, and yes, the classic sweetie-throwing that children absolutely adore. Both my Guides and Scouts are heading back again this year; they were adamant it had to stay on the programme because it was such a hit last time. If you love the feeling of being folded into a friendly community crowd, this one is a winner.

Venue: Fully on the ground floor and very accessible. Kids are not only welcome to join in—they’re actively encouraged.

Snow White – Reconnect Regal Theatre, Bathgate

If you’re based in West Lothian (or fancy a little festive road trip), the Regal’s Snow White is a classic, high-energy panto with all the familiar ingredients: big songs, bold characters, and plenty of wink-wink humour for the grown-ups. Check out the listings on What’s On in Edinburgh – Pantos for exact performance times and ticket links.

Additional Accessible Pantos & Special Performances

Relaxed performances/sensory-friendly shows: These are a brilliant option if someone in your family has autism, sensory sensitivities, or learning needs—or if you just prefer a more laid-back theatre atmosphere. Expect gentler sound levels, softer lighting, an audience that’s free to move and make noise, and often a chill-out space if anyone needs a break. The big theatres usually list these under “Relaxed”, “SEN”, or “Accessible performances” on their website.
Signed / BSL & Audio-Described Shows: Most of the larger pantomimes now offer several BSL-interpreted or audio-described performances during their run. Details can change, so it’s always worth double-checking the theatre’s access page or calling the box office—access staff are usually incredibly helpful. For more Scotland-wide listings and up-to-date access information, the Access Scottish Theatre database is an excellent resource.

For even more details across Scotland, see Access Scottish Theatre listings.

Panto Pro Tips & Family Advice

First-time? Pre-warn sensitive children about the noise, big characters, and chance of sweets flying your way!
Snacks & seating: Most venues now allow snacks—bring a quiet, no-rustle treat.
Accessibility: Book accessible seats early—they can sell out fast, especially for relaxed or signed performances.
Budget tip: Community theatre/Amateur dramatics venues often offer best value and a genuinely local festive buzz.

Why Does Panto Matter in Scotland?

Scottish panto is a cherished tradition—equal parts mayhem, music hall, and heartfelt community connection. It’s a chance to introduce kids of all backgrounds to live theatre (often for the first time), and a proper reminder that Christmas is for everyone, laughter included. The tradition of the Dame, audience participation (“He’s behind you!”), and layered jokes make pantomime uniquely multi-generational and deeply rooted in local humour.

Internal Links to Explore More Festive Edinburgh

Useful External Links

Whatever show you choose, we hope your panto experience is filled with laughter, joy, and maybe a bit of festive chaos. And for those who still reckon they’re too old for panto… well, the Dame always has a comeback ready. Have a merry, magical, “It’s behind you!” Christmas!

Panto Season 2025: Edinburgh’s Best Family Shows